Piloting of the updated School Readiness Program is successfully underway in Public Schools

Within the Early Childhood and Preschool Education component of the I2Q project, 150 schools across various regions of Georgia have been selected to launch pilot groups for the updated School Readiness Program. These groups aim to increase access to preschool education for children aged 5 to 6.

The updated School Readiness Program is designed to promote the holistic development of children, focusing on social, emotional, motor, and research skills, while fostering curiosity and creativity. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and gives equal importance to all aspects of a child’s development.

The Educational and Scientific Infrastructure Development Agency is responsible for arranging the necessary infrastructure to implement the school readiness program in the selected schools. These schools have been equipped according to criteria agreed upon with the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia and the World Bank. They have received modern educational resources, furniture, and equipment, and appropriate training has been provided to educational personnel. Experts from San Diego State University contributed to the program’s update and the training of staff within the framework of the I2Q Project.

The I2Q project conducts periodic monitoring to assess the progress of the pilot programs in the school readiness groups. Recently, the Lead of the Early and Preschool Education Component visited Zugdidi Municipality along with Masahiro Kato, a consultant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

To support the piloting of school readiness groups, the Preschool Education Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth has delivered sets of children’s reading materials and educational toys, funded by JICA, to the school readiness groups in the villages of Rike and Orulu in Zugdidi Municipality and village Ditsi in Gori Municipality.

In addition to books, the educational toy sets included children’s scientific equipment intended to develop research and discovery skills in young learners, as well as toys designed to stimulate interest in basic mathematical concepts and expand vocabulary.

During their visit to Zugdidi Municipality, the Lead of the Early Childhood and Preschool Education Component of the I2Q Project and the JICA consultant met with the Director and Senior Methodist of the Municipality’s Preschool Management Center to discuss current challenges and needs. They also visited kindergartens and engaged with educators and administrative staff.

Within the framework of the I2Q Project and JICA cooperation, there are plans to extend resources to school readiness groups in other municipalities.